Been There

So I had a great idea for a book called "Been There" and it would be full of advice for college, high school and young adults into their 30s. So much I would love to share with this big, beautiful, and sometimes frighteningly bright (sunscreen as needed) world. 

Anyhow, that got me thinking. What would you find most helpful? If you could tell your past self anything, what would it be? For me, it would be embrace the pain. Scars are the evidence of surviving what others have failed. Therefore, I should love myself as I am. 

To Publish or not to Publish...

Most people I know want to be writers. They think they want to be published and have a major contract and all the glory that goes with it. 

Pay attention to the operative word in that sentence...think. That's right, most people see the gold and glory and don't know what goes into it. Hours and hours of PAIN! It's like pregnancy except gestation can take years. The publishers are the doctors and your in full blown labor trying to get your baby out into the world. It's not fun. But ask any mother if it was worth it...

Now that you've been warned here is the good news. Go for it! Accept that it's a process that is not easy, be ready to make mistakes, be ready to embrace criticism, and be ready to stand on your own and still have the courage to move forward. 

Most authors (and some mothers) will tell you, "It's so hard- it's this- it's that." "Don't do it." I read 0 encouragements as an aspiring author months ago. 0. And dozens of painful, mean spirited articles about why I should give up. Because hundreds are like me and I am a poor writer because if I wasn't I would already be published. I was told by every word they wrote to give up. But I didn't. 

If you want to write and publish here is my advice. Don't let the negative, sorry stigma other have burden your own success. If they want to complain or quit let them, but don't you dare let go of something you believe in. Don't give up something you value because of someone else's thoughtless remarks. Authors are sensitive, we hurt easy. I half think the big ones that tell us newbies to be quiet are because they fear that we could compete with their books. It's a fair market, write better then me and I won't hold it against you, I will even buy your books.

So, don't let refusal letters, editors, authors, or anyone else tell you, you can't do it. Because the truth is, if you do it with all your might, you will succeed. 

Succeeding isn't a $1,000,000 contract, or a fan base that worships you. It's your book, your baby, finally making it out from the stereotyped womb of unworthiness to the light of individualism. 

Blog, get one reader and you've already proven people wrong. Because even if only one person reads your work, you touched one life. Sometimes the world focus too much on the big names like Nicholas Sparks, Stephan King, and Stephanie Meyers. Not that they aren't amazing, not that they don't have greatness; but there is greatness in you too. The same greatness that these people have is inside you in a unique form. Don't try and be them, it will only mask your true talent, you don't have to be or say anything that isn't 100% you. 

I don't make money from this blog, I am not trying to sell you something, I am only trying to undo the hurt that others may have caused you or someone you know. Don't be depressed. A single, true fan is better than the 100,000s people buy to look popular. Yes, people actually buy viewers to look like they are popular. 

So if you ever meet me on the street, conference, book signing, or anything; I will answer the question the same any day of the week. To publish or not to publish...my answers is: Publish. A blog, a book, a news article, whatever it is; publish and don't look back or be anything but you. 

Bloggables and Swashbuckling

My life as an author basically consists of lots of sleep, writing, and a little odd jobs here and there. Since I started this blog I have had the time of my life building up my fan base and just finding interesting things to say to engage an audience. One thing that never works, math titles. Don't try it. It kills views.
So today, as I was rummaging through my office (fancy word for any place I have cluttered to death) I found all sorts of old poems and stack of papers that are ages old. And my first two thoughts were: I wonder if this would make a good blog and this page looks like a pirate beard, hahaha arrrrrg! You can guess which one I had more fun with off the bat.

 

(This is totally what I saw in my mind

check out the original at DeviantArt)

So going through your old writings can be a horror storm of emotions, but ultimately its like watching a child grow. You can see how you have evolved and honed your skills, maybe even realize your old self had a purity to it that you would like to regain. Whether is looking at pictures of your youth or seeing something your wrote in third grade, those things are priceless treasures. (And no I am not an narcissist...maybe)

(My reaction... "A pirate cross dressing princess...next story!")

So now for the informational section:
Would any of you believe that the posts on a blog that generate the most views are the nonsensical ones? I totally was taken by surprise on that one. Apparently according to feedback and viewer trends, not many people are interested in step by step instructions and clear cut plans, but would rather be distracted by an amusing post with once central lesson. So as you go about creating your blog or even having conversations about your business, keep it interesting.

As many of you are aware the goal of this blog is to help people get to know me, and perhaps even learn a few things themselves about marketing, authorship, writing and such, but by popular demand I am changing things up. So look forward to more fun posts and a lot less technicalities.  

Increase Marketing

Marketing is an amazing, yet hard to understand promotional field of business for many people. De-mystifying the idea of marketing is essential before you can actually market a product. The principle is marketing is promotion, but if you think you need banners, billboards, and expensive adds you are mistaken. Here is what marketing capitalizes on that you can take advantage of for free: personal interest. If you don't know how your product will help individuals, you can spend thousands and still not see a great increase of interest. The more you understand how your marketing strategy will touch personal interest of the viewers, the more money you can save while increasing fans and followers.

One of the best ways is to offer discounts, or even host a competition. As an example I decided to throw my own give away challenge. Once the results are recorded at the end of the competition I will write a second post. I can expect my views to increase by 20% anything above this would be a huge success for my new marketing idea and I can implement it later use when the seasons becomes a little dry again. I've publicized the event on my blog, my website, and Facebook: let see how the numbers add up and if it's a worthwhile strategy.

Songs of Many Seasons GiveAway

WIN 1 of 5 first print editions, signed and personalized the authoress (me).

As a 'thank you' to all my incredible supporters and for an example-post in blogging, I am going to host a giveaway competition. *Throws confetti* According to my contract with my publisher I have first crack as my books are printed. Become the owner of one by joining the competition. See below for instructions.

 

1. Sign up to follow updates by email for Songs of Many Seasons by entering my website www.booksbyvera.wix.com/veralynn. Click the 'books' tab on my website and scroll down to find the simple form.

2. Log on to my blog: Booksbyvera.blogspot.com

2. Read the post titled "Increase Marketing" (the post you are reading right now!)

3. Use the contact form on my website, (click 'contact' tab) to send me your answer via email.

 

OK so here is the question:

After staying up for 48 hours straight, I wrote a beautiful dedication in a foreign language for Songs of Many Seasons. I do not speak this language fluently, nor does the person to whom I have dedicated my book. However this person will know based on the type of book, that it was published in (his/her) honor. If you are a fan and have read my website and kept updated, you should know who this person is, so for your chance to receive a limited edition signed copy of my newest creation, answer me this: To whom is my book dedicated? 

 

Don't forget to sign the email list AND and use the contact form from my website to email me the answer.

 

Note: No person may win or receve a prize without being on the email list and answering the question on the blog. This is open to all who have followed the rules and prizes will be autographed and mailed at my expense. Be the first of 5 to answer the question correctly and I will contact you with fursther instructions after the deadline is up to prevent cheating. There are only two people who know the dedication, myself and my editor. Neither of us will be participating in this competition. Good luck and keep updated with me on all social media sights, because hints will be posted all over. You may answer as many times as you would like, but only will receive one prize if you are correct according to the rules.